Reliability in a pretty dress - Opel Manta A in the (historic) test

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Reliability in a pretty dress - Opel Manta A in the (historic) test

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Created on November 28, 1970

Text:

Dr. Paul Simsa

Photos:

Opel/GM

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GM Corporation

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General Motors / Opel

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Archiv

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Opel Manta L (1974) - although not as long as the Ford Capri, the hood offers enough space to lie down

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Opel Manta (1970) - Opel announced sporty elegance with the presentation of the new Manta

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Opel Manta L (1971) - Luxury version with standard wheel trim rings and hinged rear windows

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Opel Manta L (1971) - longer, but also significantly more elegant than the Ascona on which it was based

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Opel Manta (1970) - Coupé for five people - safe yet sporty and elegant

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Opel Manta L (1974) - with optional fog lights and headrests

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Opel Manta L (1974) - with S engine and at least 80 hp

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Opel Manta SR (1973) - Sport equipment with matt black hood and decorative stripes

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Opel Manta (1974) - "But on the way back I'm allowed behind the wheel"

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Opel Manta Swinger (1975) - special model with an additional designation that would no longer be chosen decades later

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Opel Manta SR (1974) - Dashboard with rev counter and three additional instruments on the center console

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Opel Manta SR (1974) - well-shaped seats, covered with perforated imitation leather

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Opel Manta (1974) - Trunk with a capacity of around 460 liters

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Opel Manta L (1971) - sporty cockpit, upholstered two-spoke steering wheel

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Opel Manta L (1971) - rear seat bench, only suitable for children under 14 years of age

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Opel Manta L (1971) - Instrument cluster, speedometer and clock. The SR has a rev counter on the right, the standard Manta has only one hole

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Opel Manta L (1971) - surprisingly deep trunk

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Opel Manta (1970) - newly designed front axle to prevent diving under braking

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Opel Manta (1970) - Rear axle with Panhard rod and trailing arms

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Opel Manta (1970) - Space for four people

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Opel Manta Berlinetta (1973) - new luxury version with side trim and vinyl roof

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Opel Manta GT/E Black Magic (1975) - with Panther

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Opel Manta (1970) - the elegant and practical coupé from Rüsselsheim

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Opel Manta (1971) - Performance, acceleration and speed diagrams

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Opel Manta (1971) - Dimensions and weights

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Summary

In contrast to the Ford Capri, the Opel Manta was not a design sensation at its debut that turned the heads of passers-by by the dozen. Its beauty was more of the inconspicuous variety, which suited the down-to-earth Opel technology very well. Despite its looks, the Manta was not a sports car. Instead, it scored points for its refinement, driving safety and excellent workmanship, as you can read in this historical test report.

This article contains the following chapters

Shape
Space, luggage
Getting in/out
Equipment
Operation
Everyday driving
Long-distance driving
Tires
Brakes, safety
Heating, ventilation
Noise
Workmanship
Maintenance
Spare parts
mot overall verdict
Plus points
Minus points

Estimated reading time: 17min

Preview (beginning of the article)

It is built in Bochum, alongside the Kadett and Ascona. With its own bodywork and name, it was to be a model in its own right. Especially against the Ford Capri. We discuss the 1600, 1600 S and 1900 S versions; we will soon be testing the 1900 SR Rally Manta as part of a four-way test. Opel style in elegant form, a beautiful car, fashionable and yet appropriate. Only Fiat used to be able to do this, and the Manta is just right for the 850 Sport. But we noticed that the Manta, as a new model on the road, was nowhere near as well regarded as the Capri in its day and the Taunus now. The Manta was beautiful, almost too beautiful, we wrote in the first report. A ladies' coupé, some people said when they looked at it. It looks smaller than it is and was often mistaken for a Kadett coupé.

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